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The American beer industry welcomed bipartisan legislation introduced today to comprehensively reform the federal beer tax imposed on brewers and beer importers. The bill would remove barriers to growth in the industry, encouraging capital and workforce investment.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring trace element that exists in both organic and inorganic forms and has a presence in many plant-derived food products, including juices and rice. Researchers explain how levels of consumer exposure to arsenic are still below toxic levels.

The American Frozen Food Institute expressed support for bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that will protect food makers and consumers from unnecessary food price increases by reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The company said U.S. sales for Dunkin' Donuts edged up 1.4 percent in the period, down from the growth of 3.5 percent a year ago. The slowdown comes as competitors have pushed into the breakfast category, a relative bright spot in the fast-food industry.

Margaret Hamburg, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, is resigning her post in March after six years in the position. The FDA's chief scientist, Stephen Ostroff, will serve as acting commissioner.

Egg farmer William Cramer was once again dismissed when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the earlier decision of a lower court to toss out Cramer’s lawsuit, which challenged a law which bans inhumane caging of egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and veal calves.

Flying, at least for non-millionaires, has gotten grimmer in recent years. But things are looking up on the drinks cart. Alaska Air, for example, took a crafty approach, teaming with local distilleries Sun Liquor in Seattle and Bendistillery in Oregon.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris gave notice that she will appeal last month's ruling, which barred California from enforcing its ban on selling fatty goose or duck liver produced out of state. The ban took effect in 2012.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council briefed U.S. and EU negotiators on deep-set concerns with the EU's current approach to protections for geographical indications (GIs). The presentation was made during the stakeholder briefings in conjunction with this week's U.S.-EU talks on the TTIP.

The huge meat market in the U.S. is projected to grow steadily over the next few years, driven by the increasing popularity of private label and frozen meat products. However, new brands must establish themselves as being trustworthy and reliable, a new study finds.

The Chattanooga Wrigley plant, home of Altoids and Life Savers, has a reputation for being dangerous; however it seems to have solidified it this week when a 54-year-old man died on the job, making it the second employee death at the plant within the last 16 months.

The largest privately-owned distributor, importer and exporter of specialty, natural, organic, ethnic and kosher foods, is expanding its Chester County operations. The company is investing $4.6 million to expand its operations in Richburg, S.C.

Vermont lawmakers will be getting an update from the attorney general's office on the status of a proposed $50 million settlement that the cooperative Dairy Farmers of America has agreed to pay thousands of Northeast farmers to settle antitrust allegations.

J.M. Smucker Co. wants to feed the entire family — including the pets. The Orville, Ohio-based food company said that it's buying pet food maker Big Heart Pet Brands in a $3.2 billion cash-and-stock deal, giving it a presence in the fast-growing petfood industry.

Companies that are part of Idaho's $2.4 billion dairy industry are no longer at risk of losing their operating permits if caught illegally dumping waste into streams and waterways. The rules come after lawmakers passed the Dairy Environmental Control Act in 2014.

The Hawaii County Council is scheduled to consider an attorney's offer for free legal representation to defend its new law restricting genetically modified crops. The county council is scheduled to hold an executive session at its Wednesday meeting in Hilo.

Driving interest in sprouted grains is a small but growing percentage of mainstream consumers who are reducing their consumption of carbohydrates, in particular foods made from wheat and corn. Positive references to sprouted grains are showing up in health-related media.

The experts have weighed in, and here's what we can expect to influence the manufacturing sector in 2015 and beyond, including topics like energy, employment, globalization, revenues, profitability, and more...

February 3, 2015 1:20 pm |
by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (USF HEALTH)

Researchers at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science have developed a handheld sensor capable of debunking fraudulent seafood species claims, helping to ensure that consumers get what they pay for.

Ostracized by health officials for several years, the white potato is back in favor. The Institute of Medicine reversed itself and said white potatoes should be eligible for subsidized vouchers under the government's Women, Infants and Children program.